Stop making excuses! Start blocking out time!

Being a mom is a full-time job that requires all of your time and attention, however, it is imperative that you learn how to stay fit so that you can be healthy for your children and ultimately teach them how to live a healthy life.

It can be hard juggling your many tasks as a mom, but staying fit should never be a task that is put on the backburner. Use the following tips to make staying fit easier to work into your busy lifestyle.

Make yourself PRIORTY! Schedule in a minimum block of 20-30 minutes a day 3-5 times a week into your calendar just as you would work, the kids soccer game, laundry, doing the food shopping.

We tend to neglect ourselves and put everything and everyone else first so it is important to take care of you. When it comes to your health, it’s also as important as anything for you to care for yourself in the busy world we live in.

Be present. Multitasking is the great thief of being present. We can actually enjoy life more if we can be more in the moment, more present. Example: When chopping an onion, feel the sting in your

eyes; when your child is telling you a story about his day, just listen. We have to make these proactive decisions to be present. Simply turning off a TV blaring in the background can create calm.

Take transition time. Honor the need for adjustment time between activities so you don’t get overwhelmed. Transition time can mean one more lap around the block in the car to listen to a

Favorite song before going home, or a special time after dinner to regroup.

Put yourself first. Whether it’s yoga, time with friends or going to see a movie, whatever makes a better you, you should not feel guilty about doing.

. Here are 6 simple ways for to get in your 30 minute workout

Sweep or Squat That Fat Away – Don’t yell at me for this one.

Cleaning is something that you will always have to do and is often an excuse busy moms use to get out of exercising. However, you can turn your daily chores into a workout. Do your chores with more energy or turn on your favorite music and dance while you clean.

Exercise with the Kids

Find ways to include your children your workouts. This is a great way to show your children that exercising is fun.

Walk It Out

While driving may be the quicker option in most situations, walking is the healthier option. If you’re running a quick errand try to walk or even bike there instead of driving. Not only can you feel great about getting exercise, but you are helping the environment at the same time as well.

Bring the Personal Trainer to You

You do not have to travel far to get the expert advice and push from a fitness instructor. Local libraries and YouTube have tons of fitness videos that you can rent or buy for an extremely low cost, making it easy for you to work out in the comfort of your own home or get a group of friends together to cut down the cost with small group training.

Canned Goods For Weight Lifting

No need to spend a ton of money buying weights, just use everyday household items. When you’re making cereal for your children do a few curls with that gallon of milk. A gallon is the perfect amount of weight to help tone your muscles.

Get Fit in the Office

Workdays are full of opportunities to get active. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, stretching at your desk and go outdoors for lunch. Not only are you taking the proper steps to live a healthier lifestyle, but you are also giving yourself a much needed stress reliever while at work. Make those 8 hours count!